Margo, I always enjoyed your spot on radio with that great democrat Phillip Adams. Thank you for articulating in your book all of the frustrations that many of us Australians feel. I feel disenfranchised and embarrassed by our present government.

Luckily, outside of Australia I feel that very few countries are actually aware of Australia's role in Iraq. Australia was not mentioned in Farenheit 9/11 and when I was in Ireland & Britain in May and I was very surprised at the complete absence of comment in the media and among my friends and relations regarding Austrlia's role in Iraq.

I agree with the deterioration in democratic activity and regret the fact at the moment our political system is producing very few men and women with vision, principles and integrity. Under the leadership of John Howard the Liberal Party name is an oxymoron in more ways than one. Our public service must be strenghtened to support their right to advise politicians without fear or favour. History should be compulsory in our schools 'lest we forget' the lessons it teaches us. The government should fund all elections and private and business donations should be banned. Our country should become a pacifist nation and use our extensive resources to resolve conflict rather than initiate it.

John Howard has degraded the value of our citizenship by not trying Habib and Hicks in Australia while we helplessly watched British citizens returned to home to be judged. I believe John Howard told lies regarding the Tampa to win an election, he is abusing our small neighbours with our asylum seekers, he should not be locking up people without trial, he should not have gone to war in Iraq without UN approval and regretfully he is unable to say 'sorry' to anyone or reget a decision made, even with the benefit of hindsight.

Thank you again for your education in democracy and keep up the good work in name of every Australian citizen.

PS: I have sent an email to Mr Howard requesting his views on the matters raised in your book and the issues highlighted in the Michael Moore movie Farenheit 9/11 and as a proud citizen of Australia I await his considered and comprehensive reply with eager anticipation.